What God Wants To Do In Us

Lenten resolutions are generally a litany of good intentions about what we intend to do during the six weeks prior to the Easter Triduum. Perhaps we plan to read a spiritual book, start a new prayer practice, fast from unkind thoughts, cut out between-meal snacks, donate money to a homeless shelter, or help out at the local food pantry.

One interesting aspect of Lenten resolutions is that they tend to focus on what we want to do instead of what God wants to do in us. How would our Lenten practices be different if we asked God, “What gifts do you see in me that I’m not using?” “What habits or attitudes are keeping me from having a closer relationship with you?” “What do I need to learn to be a more loving person?”

These questions were sparked by a statement by Dr Glenn Young, a teacher in my spiritual direction training program, who said, “Contemplative prayer is not something we ourselves achieve but something God does in us.” In prayer, as in the rest of life, we like to be in control — but that leads us to judge ourselves by our productivity and can result in feelings of guilt and shame when we fail to reach our self-imposed goals. Admitting that “without Christ we can do nothing” (Jn 15:5) requires humility, but it is the channel to fullness of life.

Asking God, “What do you want to do in me?” does not engender passivity. Maintaining an attitude of attentiveness and openness, giving up our own desire for control, and recognizing that God’s capacity for love, wisdom, and mercy is infinitely greater than our own requires a high degree of trust and engagement.

As usual, I have made some Lenten resolutions this year — to read Holy Longing by Ronald Rolheiser, to try to be less judgmental, to divest myself of items I no longer need. But perhaps most importantly, I hope to practice centering prayer — simply sitting in the presence of God — so if God has some different ideas about where to lead me, I’ll be listening.